The one area for improvement each AFL team needs to fix for the second half of 2023

As the AFL ventures into the second half of the 2023 season, it is important to assess the development of players and teams during their push for finals glory or forging signs of what the future holds.

We've assessed how each team can adjust to either help their chances at the back end of this year to potentially put themselves on the right path for years to come.

Adelaide

(6 wins, 6 losses, 9^th)

Best performance: 19.7 (121) def 10.9 (69) St Kilda

Worst performance: 11.19 (85) def by 5.10 (40) Bulldogs

Goalkicking consistency: The Crows' struggles in recent months are far deeper than just scoring inaccuracy. Poor performances individually along with lapses offensively have allowed multiple performances to fall short of a win. Many of the Crows' defeats have been a result of inaccurate goalkicking. Darcy Fogarty burst out the gate, booting 13 goals, but has since scored only three goals to add to a field of poor individual performances in recent matchups. The Crows have had an impressive start to the year but will need to find a way to find their groove offensively as they make a push for September.

Brisbane Lions

(8-3, 3^rd)

Best performance: 18.8 (116) def 11.17 (83) Collingwood

Worst performance: 11.6 (72) def by 18.18 (126) Port Adelaide

Usage of Eric Hipwood: It's hard to fault the Lions this season, having played their best football under the helm of Chris Fagan. The Lions had won seven consecutive matches before an uncharacteristic performance against the Crows in Round 11. One thing to focus on would be the difficulties placed on their forward unit as a result of Eric Hipwood. Despite showing his explosiveness in his previous seasons with the Lions, his inconsistency will continue to create issues for other forwards such as Joe Daniher and Charlie Cameron. Hipwood's inconsistencies have led to him drawing less attention from the opposition defence, often resulting in greater coverage of other tall forwards like Daniher and Jack Gunston.

Carlton

(4-7-1, 14^th)

Best performance: 13.12 (90) def 12.10 (82) Geelong

Worst performance: 9.8 (62) def by 18.10 (118) Adelaide

Playing with confidence: Where to begin? From Round 5 and onwards, Carlton's weaknesses have become quite obvious, which is evident in their 1-7 record. There is a list of things that can be identified, with ball movement in the midfield, kicking accuracy going forward, and defensive pressure. Most importantly, the Blues have ranked rank 15th in enabling defensive-half chains, making them the fourth-worst side in allowing the opposition to transition the ball. They also rank 18th in their own corridor use from defensive 50. These issues could be stemmed from the lack of confidence that is instilled into the playing group. The side was efficient in some early season displays against Geelong and West Coast. After some poor performances, their efficiency has not just been lost but the play style has also been changed. If Carlton are going to resurrect their season, they must stick to what they do best. A confident and decisive strategy that stems from defensive transition into the hands of the back-to-back Coleman Medal winners is vital to their finals chances.

Collingwood

(11-1, 1st)

Best performance: 21.9 (135) def 9.10 (64) Port Adelaide

Worst performance: 11.17(83) def by 18.8 (116) Brisbane

Freezing during games: It's hard to criticise the highest-ranked team in the competition, especially after only losing one game so far. There is one aspect of Collingwood's game that they can hope to improve on for the second half of the season however. In Collingwood's singular loss against Brisbane, they conceded 10 straight goals through the second and third quarters. This effort can be compared to their third quarter against the Bombers and their goalless quarter and a half against the Crows. Despite winning these games, Collingwood should look to prevent these lapses as they prepare for a finals campaign in September.

Essendon

(7-5, 6^th)

Best performance: 15.14 (104) def 11.11 (77) Melbourne

Worst performance: 6.9(45) def by 12.15 (87) Brisbane

Finding a lockdown key defender: Essendon have had an impressive 2023 showcase and are now looking to extend their form toward September. They currently have an under-achieving defence that stems from a lack of lockdown defenders, which has also been impacted by injury. Despite significant talent in Jordan Ridley and Mason Redman, Essendon's lack of attendance to inside 50 marking contests are costing them dearly.

- Ranked 15th for least Opponent Kicks Per Game

- Ranked 14th for least Opponent Disposals Per Game

- Ranked 16th for least Opponent Marks Per Game

- Ranked 16th for least Opponent Inside 50s Per Game

- Ranked 13th for least Opponent Goal Assists Per Game

- Ranked 14th for Team to Opponent Inside 50s Per Game Diff.

This season Essendon have allowed 34 players to score multiple goals in a single game. Brandon Zerk-Thatcher has been given a role and Essendon have asked him to bite off more than he can chew, particularly with the recent absence of Jayden Laverde. If Essendon are going to compete come finals time, their defensive strategy will have to be adjusted to manage opposition goalkickers.

Fremantle

(6-5, 10^th)

Best performance: 12.7 (79) def 10.12 (72) Melbourne

Worst performance: W10.9 (69) def by 17.16 (118) Bulldogs

Work at stoppages: Although Fremantle have found their best form of the year, winning four straight games, their abysmal performances in the opening rounds may cost them a spot in the finals. Sean Darcy came under fire early in the season to be labelled as "lazy" amid teething problems alongside recruit Luke Jackson. The call could perhaps be supported by Fremantle being ranked 15^th in the competition in clearances. Their midfield work has been outstanding as of late, but they will need to improve their stoppage efficiency to compete with the dominant teams at the latter end of the season.

Geelong

(6-6, 8^th)

Best performance: 20.10 (130) def 5.7 (37) Sydney

Worst performance: 10.13 (73) def by 7.12 (54) Gold Coast

Putting faith in younger talent: The reigning premiers have had a challenging season so far, beginning with three consecutive losses to begin the year. They have shown glimpses of form with impressive displays such as the grand final rematch, but continuing inconsistencies will continue to haunt them. It's hard to properly assess the Cats as they have been hampered by injuries, headlined by Patrick Dangerfield, along with many key players from the premiership side. Geelong has been playing very slow through the midfield and should now look to young guns such as Tanner Bruhn and Gryan Miers to assist with a blistering attack. Geelong, unfortunately, looks out of the race for a premiership with the current strategy, but a change in strategy, coupled with some injury fortune, could be all it takes for Geelong to make another finals run.

Gold Coast

(6-6, 11th)

Best performance: 16.16 (112) def 13.9 (87) Adelaide

Worst performance: 8.12 (60) def by 17.11 (113) St Kilda

Midfield Strategy: With another slow start to the year, the Suns are now pushing to earn their first crack at the post-season. Gold Coast, similar to many middle-placed teams, are riding the AFL roller coaster of inconsistent performances. If the Suns are intent on making the eight, they have to find a way of beating the top teams. Here are the figures that really stands out:

- Ranked 3rd for Kicks Per Game

- Ranked 18th for Handballs Per Game

- Ranked 18th for Disposals Per Game

The young midfield has managed to become the lowest-ranked team in disposals despite ranking top three in kicks. This has led to the Suns ranking 15th for inside 50 differential. This is an alarming issue that Stuart Dew must resolve before the season's conclusion. Matthew Rowell has again shown why he was the first overall selection, but he now must work with Noah Anderson to resolve this issue, which will more than likely be the resolution to their problems.

GWS

(4-8, 15th)

Best performance: 12.9 (81) def 10.14 (74) Geelong

Worst performance: 7.13 (55) def by 18.12 (120) Collingwood

Defensive output: Following the trends of previous seasons, the Giants have displayed another poor start to the year despite showing glimmers of hope. The Giants remain the only side to have been beaten by West Coast this season and have had some close calls with the likes of Hawthorn, Geelong and Sydney. They now are facing a defensive crisis, particularly after the loss of Sam Taylor. The Giants rank 15th for team-to-opponent points per game differential, as well as ranking 14th for team to opponent clearances per game differential. The Giants are currently playing with a lacklustre defensive unit, under an ineffective defensive strategy. Defenders such as Jack Buckley and Lachie Whitfield have played their role well, presenting a silver lining. The Giants should aim to use the weapons they have and restructure their defense to suit the evolving offensive game.

Hawthorn

(3-9, 16th)

Best performance: 12.10 (142) def 4.2 (26) West Coast

Worst performance: 6.9 (45) def by 19.13 (127) Geelong

Full match output: Nobody expected Hawthorn to compete for finals this season, and there is a reason for it. Hawthorn are playing with a coach with less experience than the field and more importantly a very young playing group.

Average age: 22.9 (18th oldest)

Average games: 42.6 (18th most experienced)

Players with 100-plus games: 7

Players with less than 50 games: 30

The lack of experience has become very evident as the season unfolds, with continuous blowout defeats. The Hawks have found themselves on the end of some of the biggest marginal defeats this year, including losses against the Bombers (-59 points), Sydney (-81), Geelong (-82), Fremantle (-69), and Melbourne (-59). An area of improvement for this young playing group is full match outputs against the league's biggest competitors.

Melbourne

(8-4, 3rd)

Best performance: 17.13 (115) def 9.11 (65) Western Bulldogs

Worst performance: 11.11 (77) def by 15.14 (104) Essendon

Playing as a collective: Similar to previous seasons, the Demons have again positioned themselves perfectly for another finals campaign. Yet, similar patterns are appearing with Melbourne dropping winnable games. They came close to losing to Gold Coast, and over the recent weeks, they have lost close games to Fremantle and Port Adelaide, two other teams vying for a premiership. The Demons have arguably the best list in the AFL alongside the likes of Collingwood and Brisbane, however, they cannot seem to gel their top-quality players like the fans have hoped. The Demons are conceding 75.4 points per game this season (ranked fourth in the AFL), but that's eight more points than last year (67.4) and nearly 10 more than in 2021 (65.6). Although this pattern may seem irrelevant on the surface, it begs the question how a team is declining in output the more thitse players develop. A decline in defensive and midfield pressure since their 2021 premiership should be raising alarms for Simon Goodwin. The Demons must find a way to improve as a collective in the second half of the season to improve their chances of winning another flag.

North Melbourne

(2-10, 17^th)

Best performance: 11.7 (73) def 10.12 (72) Fremantle

Worst performance: 7.7 (49) def by 22.7 (139) Melbourne

Overall competitiveness: Not much was expected of North Melbourne heading into this season, but with a mastermind coach in Alastair Clarkson at the helm the Kangaroos fans finally had something to look forward to. The newly-mentored Roos side was quick out the gates with consecutive wins over the Eagles and the Dockers, showing an insight into what the fans can expect in years to come. Since then, 10 consecutive losses have placed a young playing group under immense pressure and harsh scrutiny. A complete collapse in strategy, defence, efficiency and overall performance has resulted in domination from their opponents.

- Ranked 17th for least Opponent Kicks Per Game

- Ranked 16th for least Opponent Disposals Per Game

- Ranked 18th for least Opponent Marks Per Game

- Ranked 17th for least Opponent Points Per Game

- Ranked 12th for least Opponent Tackles Per Game

- Ranked 13th for least Opponent Inside 50s Per Game

- Ranked 16th for least Opponent Goal Assists Per Game

The lack of competitiveness is the most important issue with the current playing group. The output of this football club should not be measured on results but more on the effort, strategy and intent to compete. North Melbourne needs to find a spark from within the playing group to fuel a surge in competitiveness for the remaining games in the season.

Port Adelaide

(10-2, 2nd)

Best performance: 18.18 (126) def 11.6 (72) Brisbane

Worst performance: 9.10 (64) def by 21.9 (135) Collingwood

Offensive pressure: Ken Hinkley has appeared to have finally cracked the code with Port Adelaide, playing their best football in recent memory. They have only lost two matchups at the beginning of the year and have since become a genuine flag hopeful. It is hard to critique a team that has been so effective across all areas of their game. One thing the Power can focus on is trapping the ball inside their attacking 50. Port Adelaide currently rank 18^th in the competition in opponent rebound 50 differentials. Strong pressure placed on opposition defences will be crucial to the club's aim for success come September.

Richmond

(4-7-1, 13th)

Best performance: 17.6 (108) def 10.16 (76) Adelaide

Worst performance: 6.12 (48) def by 11.6 (72) Gold Coast

Transition away from Hardwick football: Many believed the 2023 season might have been the Tigers' last chance at a flag with their previously successful playing group. The season has shown that ship has sailed. A trail of poor performances and frustrating displays resulted in Damien Hardwick's exit from Punt Road. There are a range of statistical issues evident in their performances, but there is something that should be more heavily focused on. With Andrew McQualter now taking charge, the Tigers now have an opportunity to pave a new direction for the club with the guidance of proven veterans. The likes of Tim Taranto and Liam Baker should be heavily prioritised as the future of the club. The remainder of the season should focus on the ‘out with the old, in with the new' mindset. Setting the foundations of the club's playstyle and strategy is vital to their future.

St Kilda

(8-4, 5th)

Best performance: 14.8 (92) def 5.11 (41) Bulldogs

Worst performance: 10.9 (69) def by 19.7 (121) Adelaide

Find other avenues to dominate: St Kilda have finally found a young playing group that can produce top-quality football. Other than a handful of average performances, there isn't much that can leave fans scratching their heads. One thing to point out is that St Kilda has not scored over 100 points since Round 4, meaning they rank 13^th in the league as a scoring unit. For a team that has hopes of finishing in the top four, they are perhaps too reliant on a solid defence. Some poor offensive outputs have cost them vital matchups against finals contenders, including Collingwood, Adelaide and Port Adelaide  If the Saints want to improve their chances for a finals campaign, it would help to not solely rely on an effective defensive unit.

Sydney

(5-7, 12^th)

Best performance: 18.14 (122) def 11.12 (78) Richmond

Worst performance: 5.7 (37) def by 20.10 (130) Geelong

Winning Possession: It is hard to focus on one aspect of Swans football that needs improving when almost everything has gone wrong. The previous runners-up have had some horrible fortune with injury to add to mediocre performances. To put it simply, the current 22 just cannot compete with the legitimate opponents and are getting beaten in possession almost every week.

- Ranked 12th for least Opponent Handballs Per Game

- Ranked 14th for least Opponent Points Per Game

- Ranked 15th for least Opponent Tackles Per Game

- Ranked 17th for least Opponent Clearances Per Game

- Ranked 12th for least Opponent Clangers Per Game

- Ranked 13th for least Opponent Rebound 50s Per Game

The Swans are just not competing at stoppages and this has allowed for teams to exploit them around the ground. In almost every loss this year, the Swans have had less than 40% possession. If the Swans are going to attempt to resurrect their season, they need to begin with winning at stoppages, winning the 50/50 balls, and a strategy that allows for an effective transition of the ball across the field.

West Coast

(1-11, 18^th)

Best performance: 14.16 (100) def 11.15 (81) Giants

Worst performance: 4.2 (26) def by 22.10 (142) Hawthorn

Find the best 22: Similar to Hawthorn, nobody expected the Eagles to compete for finals this season, and there is a reason for it. Fortunately for the 2018 premiers, their on-field performance may not be the only factor. West Coast's injury woes hit a new low following last week's 63-point loss to Collingwood, with the club's injury list now standing at a staggering 21 players. The Eagles will now look to debut Ryan Maric this weekend, who was the No.1 selection in last week's Mid-Season Draft. The positive for the Eagles is that they have been given an opportunity to test and trial so many different players and combinations. The Eagles should now focus more on finding out who their best 22 is and experimenting before the season's conclusion. Adam Simpson should aim to instil the club's previously successful playstyle and strategy into the younger generation.

Western Bulldogs

(7-5, 7^th)

Best performance: 17.16 (118) def 10.9 (69) Fremantle

Worst performance: 5.11 (41) def by 14.8 (92) St Kilda

Become a scoring threat: The Western Bulldogs have had a successful 2023 campaign so far with wins over the likes of Brisbane and Fremantle. An observation that can be made is that the Bulldogs' success is produced on the back of their defence. The Bulldogs have struggled to score at times this year and are ranked 14th for points per game. The decision to recruit Rory Lobb is yet to pay off. He has just 11 goals for the year after arriving at the club late in the trade deadline. The Bulldogs need to work on expanding on the success of their defensive unit and midfield transition and figure out a way to transfer that into goals. A strong defence can only take you so far, so the importance of finding the solution cannot be understated.